Liquid Fasting Diet

You have several options for performing a liquid fast.

Liquid fasting is the abstaining from all solid foods--only liquids are ingested. Listed below are a variety
of liquids used both historically and in contemporary times.

Other than water, the liquids used have high nutritional value and are easy to digest and assimilate. In all
cases of liquid fasting, the intestinal tract is relieved of the "bulk" of foodstuffs, the fiber and indigestible
components.

Some contend nutrition is not necessary during a fast as man is safeguarded from starvation by being endowed with
a full month's nutritional reserves in his tissues; therefore water is sufficient for liquid fasting. Others believe
that a little nutrition will aid in the body's healing processes as well as ease the faster's discomfort, as it
lessens the level and speed of detox.

It's up to you whether you feel drawn to the purity of a water fast or feel more comfortable with the modicum of
nutritional support offered by the other methods of liquid fasting.

Types of liquid fasting

Water Fasting

Purists insist
water fasting is the only true therapeutic fast, which delivers the maximum self-healing benefits, provides the
greatest rest for the digestive organs, and preserves muscle even while losing weight. It is believed that the historical
figures (such as Hippocrates) who promoted fasting as healing therapy were referring solely to water fasting.

Water fasting is, of course, the most intimidating fast to consider, but not if you approach it in small steps. You
can work toward a water fast by starting with a few one day easier fasts, such as
juice or fruit.

Master Cleanse or Lemonade Diet

The Master
Cleanse is a system of liquid fasting utilizing lemon for cleansing and maple syrup for nutritional support, both
mixed in with a glass of water.
There is a large following for this type of fast, many who consistently do a 10-day fast every year. But the Master
Cleanse can be utilized for shorter fasts as well, and is considered fairly comfortable to perform.

Broth Fasting

We're all familiar with a
broth fast, when we got the flu and Mom would bring us a mug of hot broth, we were broth fasting.

We can fast on animal or vegetable broths, although it will usually require you make your own broth. Commercially
available broths don't have the nutritional levels appropriate for fasting, being full of salt and usually MSG and a
host of other chemicals. On the other hand, a homemade broth can be highly nutritious, full of vitamins, minerals,
and electrolytes--even an animal-based broth, actually especially an animal bone broth.

Bone broths are extremely nutritious, high in minerals and rich in gelatin and collagen. Adding an acid, like wine
or vinegar, during preparation will help draw out the minerals, particularly calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

To make a bone broth: start with the highest quality bones available, preferably organically-raised and
hormone-free animals. Add 2-4 tablespoons vinegar (depending on how large a batch you're making), any vegetables
you want to add, and water to cover. Let this sit for 30 minutes to an hour, then bring to a boil and remove any
scum that appears on the surface. Continue to simmer anywhere from 4-24 hours, the longer the simmer, the more
nutrients will be drawn out of the bones.

To make a vegetable broth: use any organically-grown vegetables you want, cover with water, and simmer
30-40 minutes. Because of their extremely high nutritional content, be sure to add some dark leafy greens to the
mix. Strain, saving the vegetables for another time.

Liquid fasting on these properly prepared broths can be both nourishing and hydrating, as well as warming.

Another newcomer to the scene is something called the Cabbage Soup Diet. By all means, do not fast on this recipe
as written--it's full of salt and chemicals, calling for Lipton Onion Soup Mix AND cubed bouillon AND V-8 juice
AND salt. Opt for a healthy version of cabbage soup if the idea really appeals to you.

Beer Fasting

Monks in the Middle Ages are known to have fasted on
beer. High quality beer is sometimes called liquid bread in reference to the similar nutrient content. Modern day
commercial beers not only lack that nutrition, but they also lack the purity.

On the other hand, fasting on high quality, homemade brews....?

You'd need to watch calories as well as alcohol content, and supplement with plenty of water. There is little
information on beer fasting to offer guidance, so in general, would not be recommended.

The raw juices are very concentrated nutritionally and should be diluted with water before drinking. To further
aid in digestion, swish each mouthful to thoroughly mix with saliva before swallowing. This begins the process of
pre-digestion.

Oranges and grapefruits are the easiest to juice as they don't require an expensive juicer. Citrus juicers are
small and quite affordable. But be forewarned, some citrus available in local grocery stores (unless you live in
tropical climes) don't make very tasty juice.

If I still lived in California, this would be my favorite fasting food. (When I was young and briefly lived in
California, fresh-squeezed orange juice was my favorite hangover remedy.)

While some of us find commercial citrus juice too acidic on our stomachs, I've found fresh citrus juice
doesn't bother me. It's likely the pasteurization process is the culprit, having killed the naturally-occurring
enzymes.

Milk Fasting with raw milk or cultured milk products

The milk fast,
or milk diet, is utilized in homeopathic, naturopathic, and traditional yogic practices. It is often recommended
for digestive disorders in these therapeutic practices as it is considered cleansing to all the digestive tissues.

Compared to other liquid fasting choices, milk provides a lot more nutritive value and can be a very comfortable
fast to perform. Don't think that it won't detox your system, because it can and it will.

While milk is known to be mucus-forming and those with mucus-related problems shouldn't do a milk fast, let's not
forget that mucus is a natural and necessary component in a healthy body, and that fasting is a short-term practice.
Also, it has been theorized that it is only pasteurized (cooked) milk that causes extra mucus because of all the
toxins created in the process.

Only raw milk or cultured milk products are suggested for milk fasting. Pasteurization destroys the naturally
occurring enzymes and probiotics that aid in the digestion of the lactose inherent in milk. It also alters protein
chains and reduces vitamin content.

Milk in its whole and unadulterated state is a complete food; it is highly nutritious and easily assimilable.
Cultured milk products, such as yogurt and kefir, have in effect, predigested the lactose into lactic acid. Even
lactose-intolerant individuals can usually handle these products. Additionally, yogurt and kefir are full of
beneficial bacteria (probiotics), thus have become favorites for milk fasting.

For liquid fasting on yogurt or kefir, it is best to make your own. Best of all is making these cultures from
raw milk. But starting with raw milk isn't absolutely necessary as store-bought milk devoid of its natural enzymes
will be full of healthful enzymes from the work of the cultures by the time it's done. You can take what some are
calling a "dead food" (pasteurized milk) and revitalize it into a health-promoting food or drink.

If you want a front seat view of Ben Marcus' 6-day water fast, he wrote a wonderful and hilarious article about it for GQ Magazine online. I just found this pearl and want to share it with everyone. I…